Share this Page

Paper Talk: Chelsea’s Pogba hope; Man Utd’s Stones battle

Manchester City have handed Chelsea a boost in their pursuit of Paul Pogba, while Jose Mourinho faces another battle to sign John Stones, according to today’s papers.

CHELSEA GIVEN HOPE IN POGBA CHASE

Antonio Conte is determined to land Juventus star Paul Pogba this summer, and reports suggest Manchester City could pave the way for Chelsea to land the midfielder.

According to The Sun, Chelsea are in constant contact with Pogba’s representatives, but were expected to face stiff competition from the likes of City and Barcelona.

However, The Star report that incoming City boss Pep Guardiola has instead turned his attention to Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos, who helped Los Blancos win the Champions League final on Saturday night.

And this could open the door for Chelsea to make a £76million move for the 23-year-old.

MOURINHO PRIORITISES STONES

According to the Sunday Express, Jose Mourinho has told Manchester United chiefs that Everton defender John Stones should be a priority signing this summer.

Mourinho is a long-term admirer of Stones, who he tried to sign on numerous occasions last summer while he was still in charge of Chelsea.

And the Portuguese remains a big fan of the 22-year-old, despite the centre-back’s poor form for Everton over the last 12 months.

Everton face another battle to keep hold of Stones, with Spanish champions Barcelona also interested in the England international.

And according to the Mail on Sunday, the Catalan giants are about to make an opening offer of £25million for the defender.

Last year, Everton are understood to have rejected an offer in the region of £40million from Chelsea.

AND THE REST

– Teenage striker Marcus Rashford has signed a long-term contract at Manchester United with his basic salary being £20,000 per week, plus bonuses (Telegraph)

– Everton striker Romelu Lukaku is a target for Paris St-Germain as the French champions search for a replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who could join Manchester United (Express)

– The Toffees are doing further reference checks on former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini after the Chilean impressed club chiefs during talks last week (Mail)